NASA astronaut Don Pettit, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has once again provided a breathtaking view of Earth, capturing the mesmerizing northern lights from above. His recent video of the green auroras, shared on the social media platform X, highlights the beauty of this natural phenomenon against the backdrop of illuminated cityscapes.
Don Pettit, known for his exceptional photography skills, shared a short video on X (formerly Twitter) on January 5, 2025. The video showcases the auroras flickering above city lights, creating a brilliant visual spectacle. The astronaut simply described the scene as ‘Flying over aurora; intensely green,’ capturing the essence of the majestic view.
Pettit, who arrived at the ISS in September via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, has a reputation for capturing extraordinary images during his missions. In October, he took a long-exposure photograph of northern Mexico’s city lights, appearing as vibrant streaks against the night sky. Additionally, he created a fascinating image of a water sphere resembling Jupiter by using food coloring.
The astronaut’s flair for photography was further evident in November when he captured the atmospheric trail left by SpaceX’s Starship megarocket during its sixth test flight. In December, his homemade star tracker enabled him to take remarkably clear images of distant stars and galaxies. These achievements demonstrate Pettit’s ability to blend technology with artistry to present awe-inspiring views from space.
Earlier in January, Pettit shared an image of red and green auroras from the ISS, further demonstrating the variety and complexity of the auroral displays from space. Such contributions have enriched our understanding and appreciation of these spectacular natural lights.
This six-month ISS mission marks Pettit’s fourth spaceflight, underscoring his extensive experience. At 69, he is the oldest active astronaut in NASA’s roster, having completed previous long-duration missions on the ISS and a two-week mission in 2008.
Through his lens, Don Pettit continues to bring the wonders of the cosmos into focus, revealing the stunning beauty of auroras and celestial phenomena from the unique vantage point of the ISS. His work not only captivates a global audience but also enhances our collective understanding of Earth’s interactions with space.
